how does one go about learning how to build a cafe racer?
- Thread starter halffttime
- Start date
biggiesmalls
Been Around the Block
ToastyTofu said:
Nailed it.
mgros483
aka "Marty"; "mgros483"
Just buy an old bike and start tearing it apart, then learn when trying to put it all together!
Seriously though, if you have any mechanical wherewithal, and a clymer's manual, you'll be off to a good start. There's no better experience than just doing it.
Maybe it'll take you twice as long as someone who knows what they're doing, but you'll know your bike inside and out. Plus you'll meet some new people when you get stuck and need a hand from someone knowledgable.
Seriously though, if you have any mechanical wherewithal, and a clymer's manual, you'll be off to a good start. There's no better experience than just doing it.
Maybe it'll take you twice as long as someone who knows what they're doing, but you'll know your bike inside and out. Plus you'll meet some new people when you get stuck and need a hand from someone knowledgable.
xxthegonzxx
1978 CB750F-Coming along nicely!
Bob Loblaw said:
This is exactly the way to go. Just jump right in. Sure, it'll be frustrating as all hell sometimes but have some patience. You also have lots of good people here to help you out. Go slow though. Don't just go out and buy all the tools you need. Start off with the basic toolset (Metric Wrenches, sockets, etc..) Start slowly...first change the oil then clean the carbs...baby steps ata time. Some jobs might be worth sending to the mechanic some might not. Be smart about it and research, research, research.
I totally disagree that "just buy and old bike and start tearing it apart" is the way to go. Unless you have an idea as to what you want your bike to look like odds are you're just going to wind up with a pile of parts in the corner of the garage. Particularly if you are just starting off and learning. Sometimes a pile of parts can be intimidating.
You have to start somewhere. A good running bike is the best place to start. And as has been said, small steps.
You have to start somewhere. A good running bike is the best place to start. And as has been said, small steps.
BigAl8295 said:
Just keep it plain and simple at first just the basics and keep the bike mostly stock and change a few things. Then mess with it here and there because if you buy a running bike andtea it apart and then just say I can't do this you are stuck with nothing but a pile of parts.
I agree because if you don't have a lot of back ground in working with your hands or tinkering with mechanical stuff while growing up. Then it's going to be a long road. I used to build custom bicycles growing up then it went to messing with cars and motorcycles.
But if you have some fundamentals and like woirking with your hands and getting dirty and trying to figure a way out of a situation then you can do it.
